Auckland Airport announces end of financial year 2019 results

Auckland Airport has announced its financial results for the 12 months ending 30 June 2019.

The results show that as passenger numbers continue to grow, it is important to deliver critical infrastructure for the future to ensure the longevity of the airport. 

Patrick Strange, Auckland Airport’s Chair, said: “It has been another year of growth and we are pleased with the progress we have made on our 30-year vision to build an airport of the future.

“We achieved several milestones in the 2019 financial year as part of our infrastructure development programme, including work beginning on two of our eight key anchor infrastructure projects – our airfield expansion and a major upgrade of the inner core of our roading network. We also delivered strong results for our customers, with the completion of significant transport projects and the multi-stage redevelopment of the departure area at the International Terminal.”

Performance highlights include:

• Total number of passengers increased to 21.1 million, up 2.8 per cent on the previous year
• Operating EBITDAFI up by 9.6 per cent to $554.8 million
• Total profit after tax down 19.5 per cent to $523.5 million
• Underlying profit after tax was up 4.4 per cent to $274.7 million
• Underlying earnings per share rose 3.6 per cent to 22.8 cents
• Final dividend increased 2.3 per cent to 11.25 cents per share.

The financial year 2019 was another record year for traveller numbers at both the International and Domestic Terminals, although growth was slower than in recent years. Overall, passenger numbers increased to 21.1 million (up 2.8 per cent on the previous year), with international passenger numbers including transits reaching 11.5 million (up 2.2 per cent on the previous year). Domestic passenger numbers reached 9.6 million (up 3.6 per cent on the previous year).

The completion of the upgrade and expansion of Auckland Airport’s 36,000m² International Terminal departure area delivered improvements for customers in the 2019 financial year, including upgraded bathroom facilities, public seating areas, greater access to device charging stations and a new food and beverage experience. The response from customers has been strong, with average Airport Service Quality (ASQ) scores ranking above four out of five for both terminals throughout the year – a 12-year high for Auckland Airport.

The growth in Auckland Airport’s investment property business was another highlight for the 2019 financial year. Auckland Airport now owns and manages one of New Zealand’s largest premium investment-grade portfolios, with an estimated value of $1.7 billion and a committed rent roll of $100 million as of June 2019.

Chief Executive, Adrian Littlewood, said Auckland Airport remains focused on the delivery of long-term core aeronautical and non-aeronautical infrastructure projects. “In the financial year 2019, we delivered transport upgrades that have reduced travel times, such as the completion of the Nixon Road bypass between State Highways 20A and 20B and the Landing Road intersection upgrade, in partnership with NZTA. We acknowledge the importance of safe and efficient transport options for travellers to get to, from and around the airport and we are advocating on their behalf and working closely with our government partners to deliver meaningful improvements.”